As someone who works with neurodivergent kids, I’m always on the lookout for great books that can help them understand and manage their ADHD. Reading about characters they can relate to can be incredibly validating and empowering for kids with thinking and learning differences. Plus, these books offer helpful insights and strategies for navigating challenges. I’ve put together this list of my top 5 picks for books about ADHD that both kids and parents will appreciate. Whether your child was recently diagnosed or has been working with their ADHD for a while, there’s sure to be a book here that resonates with them.
Table of Contents
1. All Dogs Have ADHD
This clever book by Kathy Hoopmann uses photos of adorable but hyper dogs to illustrate common ADHD symptoms and behaviors in a way that kids can easily grasp. As a dog lover myself, I found the canine comparisons both entertaining and insightful. The book normalizes ADHD traits, showing that the endless energy, distractibility, and impulsivity kids may struggle with are nothing to be ashamed of. I appreciate how it helps reframe ADHD in a more positive, relatable light for kids.
One of my favorite parts is the emphasis on how, when properly channeled, ADHD qualities can actually be superpowers. Just like a tireless dog who makes a great hiking companion or frisbee player, kids with ADHD have incredible gifts—they just need guidance to focus their energy productively. This book provides an empowering perspective that kids and parents alike will appreciate. It’s a quick read with short chunks of text that even easily distracted readers can get through.
Read more: 9 Read Aloud Books for Kids
2. Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids
Practical and proactive, this workbook by Kelli Miller is an excellent resource for elementary-aged kids with ADHD. I love how it empowers kids to take ownership of their ADHD through interactive exercises and self-reflection prompts. Children are guided to explore their symptoms, identify their strengths, and practice research-backed coping skills.
The activities are designed to build executive functioning skills like focus, organization and planning—areas where many kids with ADHD struggle. In my experience, the engaging format makes skill-building feel more like fun than work. I’ve seen kids eagerly dive into the exercises during our sessions. There are also great tips for parents to support their child’s progress. If you’re looking for a tool to help your child thrive with their ADHD, this workbook is a fantastic starting point.
3. Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key
The first in a beloved series by Jack Gantos, this novel follows the misadventures of Joey Pigza, a good-hearted but impulsive kid with ADHD. I’ve frequently recommended this book to my middle grade clients and seen it resonate time and again. Kids see themselves in Joey as he tries hard to manage his intense energy and emotions but keeps getting in trouble. Gantos, who has ADHD himself, authentically captures the inner world of a child learning to navigate life with a brain that works differently.
What I appreciate most is how the story destigmatizes ADHD. It shows Joey as a whole person, not just a collection of challenging behaviors. We root for him as he starts to understand his brain, advocates for the help he needs, and begins turning his “bad days” into good ones. While entertaining and often laugh-out-loud funny, the book doesn’t shy away from the real pain and isolation kids with ADHD can feel. It’s a validating read for kids and an eye-opening one for parents.
4. My Whirling Twirling Motor
With its lively illustrations and rhyming text, this picture book by Merriam Sarcia Saunders is perfect for younger kids with ADHD or high energy. It stars a little boy named Charlie who feels like a motor is always running inside him, making it hard to slow down. I adore the vivid way Charlie describes what it’s like to have a brain that’s constantly whirling and twirling.
Kids will relate to Charlie’s struggles to sit still, follow directions, and finish tasks. But they’ll also see how, with support from his mom and teachers, he starts to harness his “motor” in positive ways. Dancing, soccer, and other movement outlets help Charlie find focus. The book doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges of ADHD but shows kids they can find ways to thrive. It’s an energetic, affirming read that provides an excellent jumping-off point for family discussions.
Read more: 5 Books About ADHD
5. This Morning Sam Went to Mars
In this imaginative picture book by Nancy Carlson, 8-year-old Sam struggles to stay focused at school. His mind is always wandering off to fantasy adventures on Mars or underwater. Homework is a challenge because he keeps misplacing the directions. While the book never explicitly labels Sam as having ADHD, kids with attention difficulties will certainly recognize their own experiences in his.
What sets this book apart is how it celebrates imagination and creativity while still acknowledging the frustrations of inattention. With visual reminders and gentle guidance, Sam begins finding strategies to stay on task without losing his wonderful sense of wonder. As he tells his understanding teacher, “my mind doesn’t wander, it explores.” I love this reframing of ADHD daydreaming as an asset, not a deficit. It’s a simple story with a powerful message about capitalizing on strengths.
Try Goally For Your Child With ADHD
Goally helps kids with ADHD stay focused and build skills. Unlike a Kindle or an iPad that kids get easily distracted on, Goally has no YouTube, no social media, no web browser, and especially no ads.
Goally uses game play as a points-based motivator for your kiddo with ADHD and helps them learn emotional regulation skills. It’s simple to set up and has an expert-informed design.
Reading books like these with your child can spark valuable conversations, validate their experiences, and provide a roadmap for thriving with ADHD. In a 2016 study, researchers found that bibliotherapy—the use of books as therapy tools—improved ADHD symptoms in children. So while books alone can’t replace comprehensive treatment, they can be an incredibly helpful part of your child’s ADHD toolbox. Happy reading!
Resources:
- CHADD – Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- ADDitude – Inside the ADHD Mind
- Understood – For Learning and Thinking Differences
FAQs about Books About ADHD for Kids
How can books about ADHD help my child?
Books about ADHD can help your child understand their condition in a relatable way, often using stories and characters they can connect with. They provide strategies and tips for managing symptoms, making daily life easier.
What are some popular books about ADHD for kids?
Some popular books include "All Dogs Have ADHD" by Kathy Hoopmann, "Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids" by Kelli Miller, and "Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key" by Jack Gantos. These books offer a mix of fun, practical advice, and relatable stories.
Are there workbooks available to help kids with ADHD?
Yes, there are several workbooks designed to help kids with ADHD, such as the "Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids" by Kelli Miller. These workbooks include activities to improve focus, self-regulation, and organizational skills.
Can books about ADHD be useful for parents as well?
Absolutely! Books about ADHD often include valuable insights and strategies that parents can use to support their children. They can also help parents better understand the challenges their kids face.
Are fictional stories about kids with ADHD beneficial?
Fictional stories like "Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key" can be very beneficial as they provide relatable characters and situations. These stories help children feel understood and less isolated in their experiences.
This post was originally published on 05/18/2023. It was updated on 05/19/2024.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
